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Category: Unsecured Loans

Personal loans refer to unsecured loans that a person takes when in dire need of money or during hard financial times. In most cases, it usually comes as a last option when all other avenues of getting money have been exploited with no luck. Personal loans are usually processed quickly, and the cash is wired straight into the borrower’s account. However, it is important to consider a lot of things before taking up these loans.

Factors to consider before taking a personal loan

Check for hidden charges

Due to desperation and the need for money, a lot of people are never keen on reading through the contract provided by the bank before signing and taking the loan. This usually comes as a shocker later on when one realizes the mistakes he or she has made. It is always good to take your time and ensure that you have gone through all the documentations. If possible, tag someone along whose is experienced in that field to guide you.

Interest rates

Most people that go for the unsecured loans are usually desperate for cash. Financial institutions usually charge interest rates that are relatively higher, for these loans. This is because one does not have to provide personal assets as collateral. It is often termed as a gamble since the lender does not have a guarantee that their money will be paid back. Interest rates will always vary depending on the financial institutions that one goes for. It is, therefore, important to sample out and know interest rates charged by different other institutions that offer loans.

Penalty charges

Most of these financial institutions, usually penalize loan defaulters in different ways when loans are not paid back on time. Borrowers should be able to know; what kind of penalty they may be faced with so as to find well ways to avert such problems when faced with them. When taking up these loans it is good to have contingency plans whereby, if one is not able to pay on time, you can still outsource funds from other places to avoid paying the huge penalties.

Purpose of the loan

Reason to taking up a loan is also important. Is it because of a need or greed? Institutions usually give priority when it comes to personal loans depending on the need and not greed. Genuine borrowers will always be considered first, especially those that borrow loans for hospital, education, and marriages. Financial analysts will always advise people not to take personal loans to invest in non-sure ventures such us stock exchange as risks usually involved are high.